I rescued a dog after my husband ran off with a younger woman. I must say that she is a better snuggler, she likes the same movies, she never complains when dinner is late, and she's always ecstatic to see me when I walk in the door!
Clearly you are trying to work through your doubts and what I have come to understand as our societal programming. I have only just realised that my pile of journals for various subjects like my values or my gem affirmations or my gratitude are an important part of how I live my life. I am now calling my journaling desires, goals for the coming year. I used to feel like I was doing something silly or unproductive because even those close to me roll their eyes or think I am wasting my time on useless activity. I am just different not less. I feel like I am coming into my strength. My old programming tells me a strong independent woman is not what society finds acceptable. Struggling and being helpless or hopeless is expected and is reinforced when we are told it is to be expected and we just have to live with being looked after by others. I am busy slowing the decline of my mental, physical and emotional fitness. I know aging brings decline but I am going to push the boundaries. I will find joy in every day. I will do things on my own. I will enjoy time with friends and family. I will learn and grow. I will always be looking for new things to improve my life. I will overcome my old programming that tells me to quietly disappear.
This is what is going through my mind lately.
I enjoy reading your posts and I really want you to take hold of life so I can continue to learn from you. To me you seem strong and resilient. I wish you an amazing new year.
Hi Val, Thank you so much. I am with you about pushing the boundaries and always looking for new things to improve my life. I have journaled for a good 20 years - it's a part of who I am. Maybe that should be my New Year's resolution - if I made them: to find joy in each day. I wish you an amazing new year, as well. Let's do it!
Hi Janice — I am finding a lot less stress in my older age. Like grief, when I finally got to the stage of acceptance in many things: loss of youth, friends, idealism, I became more content. Life is a bit more boring for sure, but I’m slurping a lot less Pepto Bismal. 😂 {{Hugs}}
I hadn't thought about the loss of idealism, but it is part of the stress. I had a particular vision of who we were as a country, and either it was the wrong perception to begin with, or we've changed over the years. I miss who I thought we were, but reality says this is who we are - at least for now.
Hi Janice. Sorry that everything feels a bit weighty at the moment. Looking for little things that bring joy is a really good habit. I have to remind myself of this
You offer a wise reminder about the little things and joy - a much healthier focus for me. In large part, the weight I feel stems from the path my country is on right now and the fact that there is nothing I can do about it. That is not who I thought we were - or it didn't use to be who we were. OAN: I hope you have a happy holiday season. I know how challenging this time of year can be.
Thank you Janice. I was so happy to discover your Aging Well Newsletter.
I am 67-years-old and often struggle with trying to balance having a social life with maintaining my home, garden, exercise, and everyday duties because I suffer from chronic fatigue which has worsened with my age. My only family are three kids who live far away. I still want to keep up with everything on my own, but sometimes the trade-off is being socially isolated. At 67 I'm also starting to get that feeling that as an older woman that I am viewed as less attractive, less important, and that I'm taken less seriously--ouch!!!
Reading about the journeys and experiences of other senior women is so comforting, encouraging, and inspirational! I hope to always be learning and growing no matter what the world throws at me.
Best wishes to all of you senior ladies out there for a wonderful year ahead!
Hi Danessa, sharing stories and tips does help. An issue that frustrates me is having people decide that I need help doing something - when I don't. It may take a little longer, but if we don't use our muscles, skills, and brain, they may atrophy quickly.
I don’t look forward to each day as I used to, and it feels as if the weight of the world is on my shoulders. Do you ever feel that way?
Yes, just about every day. I’m adopting a kitty tomorrow, so I think that will help me a lot.😽
Hi Nancy, I have two rescue cats, and they have been lifesavers. I hope you enjoy your kitty as much as I enjoy mine.
I rescued a dog after my husband ran off with a younger woman. I must say that she is a better snuggler, she likes the same movies, she never complains when dinner is late, and she's always ecstatic to see me when I walk in the door!
Thank you, Janice. I’m sure I will.🥰
Clearly you are trying to work through your doubts and what I have come to understand as our societal programming. I have only just realised that my pile of journals for various subjects like my values or my gem affirmations or my gratitude are an important part of how I live my life. I am now calling my journaling desires, goals for the coming year. I used to feel like I was doing something silly or unproductive because even those close to me roll their eyes or think I am wasting my time on useless activity. I am just different not less. I feel like I am coming into my strength. My old programming tells me a strong independent woman is not what society finds acceptable. Struggling and being helpless or hopeless is expected and is reinforced when we are told it is to be expected and we just have to live with being looked after by others. I am busy slowing the decline of my mental, physical and emotional fitness. I know aging brings decline but I am going to push the boundaries. I will find joy in every day. I will do things on my own. I will enjoy time with friends and family. I will learn and grow. I will always be looking for new things to improve my life. I will overcome my old programming that tells me to quietly disappear.
This is what is going through my mind lately.
I enjoy reading your posts and I really want you to take hold of life so I can continue to learn from you. To me you seem strong and resilient. I wish you an amazing new year.
Hi Val, Thank you so much. I am with you about pushing the boundaries and always looking for new things to improve my life. I have journaled for a good 20 years - it's a part of who I am. Maybe that should be my New Year's resolution - if I made them: to find joy in each day. I wish you an amazing new year, as well. Let's do it!
Hi Janice — I am finding a lot less stress in my older age. Like grief, when I finally got to the stage of acceptance in many things: loss of youth, friends, idealism, I became more content. Life is a bit more boring for sure, but I’m slurping a lot less Pepto Bismal. 😂 {{Hugs}}
Hi Jan,
I hadn't thought about the loss of idealism, but it is part of the stress. I had a particular vision of who we were as a country, and either it was the wrong perception to begin with, or we've changed over the years. I miss who I thought we were, but reality says this is who we are - at least for now.
Hi Janice. Sorry that everything feels a bit weighty at the moment. Looking for little things that bring joy is a really good habit. I have to remind myself of this
Hi Cali,
You offer a wise reminder about the little things and joy - a much healthier focus for me. In large part, the weight I feel stems from the path my country is on right now and the fact that there is nothing I can do about it. That is not who I thought we were - or it didn't use to be who we were. OAN: I hope you have a happy holiday season. I know how challenging this time of year can be.
Thanks Janice. Yes, I imagine it is very hard to witness what is going on around you. It stresses me as I watch from this side of the pond.
And happy holidays to you too. ❤
Thank you Janice. I was so happy to discover your Aging Well Newsletter.
I am 67-years-old and often struggle with trying to balance having a social life with maintaining my home, garden, exercise, and everyday duties because I suffer from chronic fatigue which has worsened with my age. My only family are three kids who live far away. I still want to keep up with everything on my own, but sometimes the trade-off is being socially isolated. At 67 I'm also starting to get that feeling that as an older woman that I am viewed as less attractive, less important, and that I'm taken less seriously--ouch!!!
Reading about the journeys and experiences of other senior women is so comforting, encouraging, and inspirational! I hope to always be learning and growing no matter what the world throws at me.
Best wishes to all of you senior ladies out there for a wonderful year ahead!
Hi Danessa, sharing stories and tips does help. An issue that frustrates me is having people decide that I need help doing something - when I don't. It may take a little longer, but if we don't use our muscles, skills, and brain, they may atrophy quickly.
Janice, you’re a blessing to us sharing as you do. Thank you and happy holidays!
Hi Fred. Thank you so much for the kind words - and happy holidays to you and your loved ones as well
Thank you for these reminders, Janice. So helpful. Happiest of holidays to you and to all those who love you! 🎄🥂. From Sharron at Leaves.
Happy holidays, Sharron.